The investigation into a break in at a Turlock stereo store led to the identity and arrest of a man suspected of stealing several trailers over the last few months from Bonander Truck and Trailer.
Agents from the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force arrested William Tracy Coelho on several theft-related charges. They also have a warning for anyone who purchased a trailer from Coelho.
“If you have recently purchased a trailer from Mr. Coelho or believe the trailer you have in your possession may be one of these stolen trailers, please contact StanCATT at 581-9250. We would not like see an innocent purchaser get in trouble for possessing one of these trailers,” StanCATT said in a release.
Over the last few months Bonander Truck and Trailer in the 4500 block of N. Golden State Boulevard had experienced nine different thefts of enclosed and flatbed trailers.
Recently two men tried to break-in to a stereo shop on Golden State Boulevard. The attempted burglary was caught on video surveillance and the images were posted on social media, including one of a truck with en enclosed trailer attached.
The tips generated from the posted images on social media led StanCATT agents to a home in the 1000 block of Ninth Street in Turlock. At the home agents spotted the truck with the stolen trailer attached, along with other evidence indicating Coelho had been in possession of other stolen trailers.
StanCATT agents tracked Coelho to a home in the 600 block of Magic Sands Way and took Coelho into custody without incident. Coelho was arrested on suspicion of auto theft, possession of stolen vehicles, attempted burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.
As the investigation progressed, agents were led to a home in the 400 block of Flower Street, where they found another stolen enclosed trailer belonging to Bonander Truck and Trailer.
StanCATT said they were in the process of searching for the other stolen trailers.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we are confident we will recover all of these trailers,” the release said.
